Key West

Key West is known for it’s historic attractions, street performers, and anything goes attitude. If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t seen it until you’ve come to Key West. The famous Duval Street attracts people from all over the world. Here, you can see a drag show then head over to the clothing optional rooftop bar all on the same block. Visiting this island with an open mind is the best way to experience the local culture and it’s people.

Local Accommodation

If you’re looking to stay close to Duval Street and near the nightlife I would highly recommend the local guesthouses. Almost all of the guesthouses are within walking/crawling distance to Duval Street. The guesthouses are very friendly and the rooms are very quaint. The high season is January to May so you’ll be paying higher prices then you would in the slower season June through December. If you’re planning on attending Fantasy Fest, you’ll want to book your rooms well in advance.

Local Cuisine

No matter what you might be craving on this island, you’ll be sure to find it. You’ll find chain restaurants and your local eateries all along Duval Street and around town. Keep in mind that eating in Key West is a bit pricey as it is a popular destination for visitors and cruise-ships. The best way to eat and drink on the cheaper side is during happy hour. Many of the bars have good deals during certain times of the day.

Getting Around

There are a ton of fun ways to get around on the island. You can rent bikes, scooters, and electric cars! Daily bike rentals usually run around $12.00-$15.00 and weekly rates are around $50.00. Daily scooter rentals usually run $50.00 and around $175.00 for the week. If you’re looking to get around town with a little more space, look at renting an electric car. Some companies let you rent the car until 5pm or for a full 24 hours. Renting the car until 5pm costs around $90 and for 24 hours costs around $100. You’ll be able to find rental companies every few blocks, so check around to get the best prices. If you’re looking for transit that’s a little more cost effective, I would recommend the Key West transit. One way tickets cost $1.00 and you can get a 7-day pass for $5.00.

Scuba Diving

Key West is famous for the USS Vandenburg that became an artificial reef in 2009. The ship is 524 feet long and lies is 130 feet of water. It was a military missile tracking ship that tracked space launches off the coast of Cape Canaveral and also monitored the Soviet missile launches back in the Cold War. This ship attracts both recreational and tech divers alike. The Vandenburg was also known for her underwater gallery “The Sinking World” by Andreas Franke.

When To Go

The best time to dive and fish are during the summer months; May through August are the best months for conditions on the water. September through March are typically when we get higher winds and rougher conditions. If you’re looking to go when it’s a little more cost effective, I’d recommend going during the off season June through December. Those months are also the most cost effective for travelers.